Riley Smith, 2, and Malachi Trent, 4, try out their new therapeutic tricycles given to them by the American Business Club. The trikes are designed to improve strength for disabled children. Photo david mcdaniel, the oklahoman
Lydia Gore is tiny, but she’s mighty on her new specially built tricycle.
Featured Video
Advertisement
The 5-year-old scrambled onto the black and red tricycle and gave a toothy grin Wednesday at Integris Jim Thorpe Outpatient Rehabilitation. Lydia was among eight disabled children and young adults to receive the therapy tricycles donated by the American Business Club’s Amtryke program.
The tricycles are designed for use by children who have limited use of either their upper or lower extremities.
Lydia, who was born with a chromosome abnormality, now will be able to spend more time outdoors and get more exercise, said her mother, Kristie Gore of Yukon.
While the kids see the tricycles as toys and something fun to do, the devices also enhance their rehabilitative therapy by improving range of motion, strength, trunk control and coordination, said Christa Newgent, a therapist at Jim Thorpe.
"Every child would like to ride a bike, but because of certain physical impairments some children are simply unable,” she said.
Tammy Acers said her son, Nick, who has limited mobility because of a severe birth defect, now can ride around the neighborhood with his friends.
"It gives him a chance to move independently,” she said. "It makes him more confident.”
The tricycles cost $300 to $500 apiece, which generally is not covered by insurance companies. The American Business Club chapter in Oklahoma City has been donating them to disabled children for several decades.
"There’s no greater feeling than seeing a kid on a tricycle and see him smiling,” club member Dick Nowlin said.
Thank you for joining our conversations on newsok. We encourage your discussions but ask that you stay within the bounds of our terms and conditions. Please help us by reporting comments that violate these guidelines. To review our rules of engagement, go to Commenting and posting policy.
1
Featured Video
Prev
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online
Thank you for joining our conversations on newsok. We encourage your discussions but ask that you stay within the bounds of our terms and conditions. Please help us by reporting comments that violate these guidelines. To review our rules of engagement, go to Commenting and posting policy.
Log in below or sign up (it's free).